The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities reported that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, storm surges, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, leading to the evacuation of millions of people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented floodwaters climbing to rooftop levels and homes washed out by the powerful currents.
“Our personnel saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof surrounded by water in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We rescued him and four relatives.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm early Monday while moving over the main island, home to the national capital.
According to the state weather service, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is projected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Relief and Assessment
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres were activated to temporarily house 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Environmental Factors
The typhoon hit just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed hundreds of lives and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Search operations for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
Global warming is making cyclones stronger and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones striking the islands has increased by more than 100% in the past twenty years.
Global assessments suggest that severe weather events result in approximately US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday due to the extensive devastation caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from the new storm.
